Published July 30, 2004

Whose money is the city and county giving away?

After reading the front-page article by Brook Reinhard about the request from the developers of the Cob plant for a big tax break, I wondered just who is being taken for a ride this time.

That $71.3 million is a significant amount of cash, especially when the state is pressed to fund some much-needed programs.

When I read Rob Trotta's comment, "42.6 percent of the property taxes would go to schools and the state school support would be reduced by that amount," I again wondered what kind of double-think he was using.

In my mind, if we can get major corporations to pay their share of the taxes - not just income but also property taxes, just like you and I have to - individual taxpayer burden will be reduced.

That school support cash must come from somewhere, and if a major corporation pays it, all the better. The state can use those saved dollars to better serve the people of Oregon.

If the Klamath Basin is such a prime energy location, then no tax break should be asked for or granted.

Bill Brock

Bonanza